FAQ

About Careers in the Medical Laboratory Sciences

Medical Laboratory Scientists / Medical Technologist plays a major role as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team by analyzing patient specimens of blood and body fluids using advanced technology. Medical Laboratory Scientists perform laboratory tests, examine specimens microscopically, confirm the accuracy of test results and report laboratory findings to physicians who rely on their input in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical Laboratory Scientists may work as generalists or specialists. They may perform chemical analyses to detect diabetes, isolate and identify bacteria, parasites, and viruses, or identify the molecular phenotype of cancer. Medical Laboratory Scientists may evaluate blood samples to detect leukemia, sickle cell anemia or hepatitis. Medical technologists who work in the blood bank are responsible for matching the blood of donors to recipients to ensure compatibility.

1. Where does the Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) work?

The most common work setting for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) is the hospital clinical laboratory. In larger hospitals, the laboratory may be divided into specialty areas such as Microbiology, Hematology, Blood Banking, Immunology and Chemistry. Medical Laboratory Scientists (Medical Technologists) are also employed by the government, in physicians’ office laboratories, in private laboratories, and in health maintenance organizations. There are expanding opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists (Medical Technologists) in research and development, and as technical or sales representatives in industry. Some Medical Laboratory Scientists (Medical Technologist) seek careers in management, education or government agencies.

2. What does a Biomedical Science Research Technologist do?

The biomedical science research technologist is a member of a multidisciplinary team of researchers involved in the discovery, development, and production of chemicals, diagnostic products, and biopharmaceuticals. The biomedical science research technologist uses skills in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, protein chemistry, and microbial fermentation to produce reagents and products used in industry, medicine, and basic and applied research. Biotechnologists may work in virology research laboratories to select and identify recombinant clones and perform DNA isolation and purification.

3. Where does the Biomedical Science Research Technologist work?

The biomedical science research technologist is primarily employed in private biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and university or government based research laboratories. They may also seek employment in management and education.

4. How large is the demand for Medical and Biomedical Laboratory Scientists?

According to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report, careers in health care are among the most marketable. Medical technologists and biomedical science research technologists are in great demand. Nationwide, there is a 14% vacancy rate among medical technologists and this critical shortage will continue to worsen, when sizeable numbers of professionals working in the field are expected to retire. Because Maryland has one of the highest concentrations of biotechnology companies, the need for qualified biomedical science research technologists is extremely high.

5. What can the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Medical and Research Technology offer?

State-of-the-art facilities

Small class sizes and high faculty-to-student ratio

Internships at hospital or research laboratories and biotechnology companies

Financial and scholarship aid

Post-baccalaureate certificate studies

Master’s Degree Program

6. How marketable are graduates of the Department of Medical and Research Technology?

All of the recent graduates of the Department of Medical and Research Technology, who were seeking employment, had secured position within few months after graduation

Most Graduates of the Department of Medical and Research Technology received an average of two job offers prior to graduation.

Average entry-level salary in the Greater Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area in 2013 was $48,580.

7. How prepared are graduates of the Department of Medical and Research Technology for advanced education?

A Bachelor of Science in Medical and Research Technology provides an excellent academic foundation for advanced education.

A number of our graduates have gone on to medical school, dental school, law school, as well as graduate programs in biochemistry and pharmacology, and to training programs to become Physician Assistants or Pathology Assistants.

8. How do I Apply to the Department of Medical and Research Technology?

To download an application for the Bachelor of Science degree program or Categorical Certificate Program, please view our Admissions section.